One of the most rewarding things I’ve done in quite some time is to go through the Bible reading and studying one chapter per day 5 days per week. On the face of it that sounds excessive and some of you might question that there should be some time for a day off here and there. I suppose that depends upon one’s perspective. I’m not studying the Bible out of duty or to get brownie points. I am actively seeking God’s wisdom, advice, and help with living a joyful, loving, peaceful existence or better put attempting to enjoy God’s rest in a world filled with the opposite.
Currently a couple of friends and I are systematically working our way through the New Testament. Each day we study the next chapter on the list and then write what stands out to us in the day’s reading as being significant in our lives. Some days the Holy Spirit encourages me, and others He admonishes me for some dumb thing I have done that grieves Him. I share my comments with a couple of good friends who have undertaken this project with me, and they share their comments, reflections, and questions with me. A few friends who began the study have dropped out, I suppose they couldn’t make the time for it or are not self-disciplined enough to stick with it.
I’ve told them all that I prefer to do my Bible study first thing in the morning because it starts my day off in the Word. Even if by end of day I have spiraled down into the slimy abyss of a foul mood, I at least begin each day well.
Have you ever thought about how God communicates with us? Yes, we pray, but that is us talking to God. How does He talk to us? Sure, there are direct revelations and other people who He chooses to speak through on occasion, but He has given us His Holy Bible, His Word, to help us. Paul says: “Indeed, the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two edged sword, piercing until it divides soul from spirit, joints from marrow; it is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”
. . . It is a sobering proclamation with the warning that no one can live a double life undetected. What is meant by the sword metaphor? When the Word of God comes into us it penetrates very deep – like a sword slicing through tough, hard layers – and makes judgments about what’s there. Sin is there and it’s sin that is the beast that prevents us from enjoying God’s rest and must be dealt with. This is no small matter because entering into “God’s rest” alludes to eternity. The way to enter that rest is faith, or belief in God’s promises. The great danger is not just bad thoughts. The great danger is unbelieving thoughts. Hebrews 3:19: “They could not enter because of unbelief.”
So what we need is protection from unbelief. Day in and day out we need to fight unbelief in the promises of God through Bible study. It’s unbelief that will keep us out of God’s rest. Our society can be divided between people who (1) believe the Bible and follow it devotedly, (2) respect the Bible as “the truth” but don’t follow it, or (3) reject it as simply a book of legends and myths. In today’s society Option 1 is dwindling. Options 2&3 are increasing daily.
I believe that the greatest tool to allow us to enter God’s rest is the daily study of God’s word. Today, as never before, the character of the Bible is publicly attacked as cruel and oppressive and those who uphold the view of its truthfulness are seen in the same light. There’s enormous social pressure on Christians today to abandon Scripture and the role it should play in our lives. If anyone doubts this just look at the bitter hatred, loneliness, despair, and hopelessness that is evolving in our society. The Bible is banned, prayer is banned, even mentioning “Under God” is now being banned by Democrats in Congress.
Misery, chaos and uncertainty are the fruit of those who stubbornly refuse to believe. As for me I intend to enjoy God’s rest and lap up some joy, peace, and love. How about you?
Hebrews 3:19
So we see that they were unable to enter because of unbelief.